Facey, 20, has been training with NYCFC as a trialist throughout the club’s preseason, and has stood out as one of their most impressive contributors during their training camps and friendlies.

The central defender, who can also fill in at full-back in a pinch, has earned the praise of head coach Jason Kreis in that time, and now becomes the first in what could be a long line of Blues prospects to make a short-term move to New York.

“It’s really exciting for me to be joining New York City FC as we begin our historic inaugural season. The squad and coaches have been fantastic throughout training camps, and I’m happy to be part of something so special,” Facey told the club’s official website.

“It’s been a fantastic experience. The initial idea was just to train with the team for pre-season, but I’ve really enjoyed working with the group and am now very much looking forward to the start of the season. What’s happening at this club is exciting for a player and it’s something we talk about as a group.

“The standard has been competitive in training as well as in the matches and I’m looking forward to fighting for my place in the squad and learning from Jason Kreis and the other coaches. It will be a proud moment for me when I make my MLS debut.”

Facey is still to make his first-team bow for the Premier League champions, but has been a regular for the club’s Elite Development Squad in recent campaigns, making 34 appearances in all competitions last season as vice-captain of the side.

The promising defender has also represented England at Under-19 level, and put pen to paper on a new deal at the Etihad Stadium until 2016 last April.

Now set to line up alongside former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa for the first half of the 2015 season which kicks off this weekend, Kreis believes he could be a major contributor during the first half of their inaugural campaign.

“It’s great for the Club to have added Shay to our ranks,” his new boss said. “He’s fit in well during pre-season on and off the pitch and his defensive talents will add depth and quality to the back line.

“Shay is also a versatile defender that can play in numerous positions across the defense. I’m confident he will bring a lot to this roster.”

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.